"How’s the group date plan going?"
Shirakawa Sawahei put away his phone, not giving Ise Yu Yuzhijin a chance to ask questions.
"It’s all set! Fukumi-chan and Mano have both agreed to the group date..."
"But speaking of which, why did you suddenly want to organize a group date, Shirakawa?"
"Is it really just for others?"
"I don’t believe it." Ise Yu Yuzhijin had a knowing look, as if she understood but wouldn’t say it, "Well, being friends with Shirakawa is already nice, but if you want more, you’ll need to put in more effort."
"Although I don’t know which ’more’ you’re talking about, could you tell me so I can avoid putting effort in that direction?"
"So mean! Shirakawa, do you really think that by saying such things, any girl would still want to go on a group date with you!"
"I told you, you’re just there to make up the numbers... don’t think you’re that important, okay?"
Ise Yu Yuzhijin’s cheeks puffed up with anger: "What the heck! Shirakawa, you’re doomed! I’ll get back at you!"
"Hmm, so scary, sorry, my bad."
You little rascal, offending an artist, you must not know the meaning of despair!
Do you believe I can show you the depths of the word ’ordinary’ hidden behind it!
Shirakawa Sawahei didn’t continue to provoke her on this topic but instead changed the subject and asked, "You know about Miss Hinata going on a date, right?"
"Yeah, I know." Ise Yu Yuzhijin didn’t manage to link this to the weird question just asked. She looked sad and said, "Sister Rion is really pitiful, even at her age she’s forced to do things she doesn’t like..."
"Although they grew up together, their signs really don’t match..."
"Miss Hinata is already an adult, would she still be threatened by her family even with economic independence?" Shirakawa Sawahei was puzzled.
Was she really forced at knife-point to go on a date?
Ise Yu Yuzhijin sighed, "Aunt Hinata said if she didn’t go, she’d set her collection on fire, including all the rare doujinshi, figures, posters... turning them all to ashes... really devilish."
Okay, such a threat for an avid fan of the 2D world holds about the same power as being held at knife-point.
"Are they really that incompatible?"
"Why would I lie to you?" Ise Yu Yuzhijin said seriously, "Think about it, Sister Hinane has known you for so long, has she ever lost her temper with anyone?"
Shirakawa Sawahei hesitated for a moment and shook his head, "It seems like she hasn’t. Even when scolding staff, she only uses a serious tone..."
"Right, but once Sister Rion encounters Dubian Ichiro, she becomes a powder keg ready to explode! Super easy to anger."
"The key is that Sister Rion usually has quite a good temper, but as soon as she sees him, she can’t control herself and wants to pick a fight with him."
Shirakawa Sawahei felt speechless at this and thought to himself, is this really a case of incompatibility? This is clearly like elementary school kids arguing.
Whatever, can’t be bothered with them for now. Now I’ve got two delinquent boys needing matchmaking to deal with, better fewer issues.
"By the way, do you have any intel on the preferences of those two Vocal Department members?"
"Eh? Shirakawa, are you planning to help your friends cheat?"
"This doesn’t count as cheating. It’s just to add some topics and prevent awkward silences." Shirakawa Sawahei sighed, "Let me remind you, be prepared for any awkward atmosphere."
"Why do I feel like from what you said, the group’s date this weekend is going to be miserable!?" Ise Yu exclaimed, "The people you’re introducing are normal humans, right?"
"They should be... kind of."
"Eh!?? Shirakawa, please don’t punish me ! If you introduce two extreme oddballs, Fukumi-chan and Mano will pinch my face till it pops!"
"That’s why you’re going to the group date with me." Shirakawa Sawahei patted Ise Yu’s shoulder, "With great power comes great responsibility."
"Is this the time to use Spider-Man lines to act cool! Shirakawa, answer the question properly!"
The following day during lunch break, Shirakawa Sawahei as usual went to find the two delinquent fools first to give them a heads up, also indicating that everything depended on their effort, and if they wanted more help after failing, they’d better wash up and go to sleep early.
After all, anything is possible in dreams.
The two delinquents, upon hearing the good news, hugged each other in excitement.
"Finally... finally can attend a group date! And with girls we like..."
"First time in our lives! I actually feel a sense of dread about facing my first experience..."
There’s probably a reason you guys can’t find girlfriends.
"Thank you so much! Brother Shirakawa! Following you was certainly the right choice!"
"So moved... words gather into one ’thank you’... Brother Shirakawa!"
Seeing the two fools about to cry, Shirakawa Sawahei waved them off, "Enough with the talking, seize the opportunity, tidy yourselves up, don’t be too out of shape."
"Just like that, I’m off."
"Oh... right, Brother Shirakawa, today Ishida has some information, not sure if you want to hear it... Sister-in-law Ju she..." Aoki Yoosuke seemed to remember something and suddenly spoke to stop Shirakawa Sawahei.
Shirakawa Sawahei turned around with a smile, "What did you just say?"
"Ju... Ju... Tachibana didn’t come to school today..."
Young man, make sure not to close off your own path.
Shirakawa Sawahei was very satisfied with Aoki Yoosuke’s performance, casually uttered ’thanks for your hard work,’ and then left the rooftop. He headed straight for Tachibana Tomoku’s class.
As expected, upon reaching Tachibana Tomoku’s class and asking Ishida Akihisa, he found out that Little Invisible Study Girl had taken three days of sick leave, seemingly planning to use sick leave and the weekend to get through this week.
The ostrich strategy, quite like Little Invisible’s style.
Seeing how frightened the poor kid was. Shirakawa Sawahei silently dissed Tsukimi sakurazawa and the little girl, pulling out his phone to send a line message to Tachibana Tomoku.
This wasn’t like Tachibana Tomoku’s style, she usually replied quickly. This time even the read status hadn’t changed, stirring inexplicable concern and worry.
Should I... go to her place and see how things are?
Shirakawa Sawahei hesitated for a moment; if it were him going, the ostrich-formed Tachibana Tomoku probably wouldn’t see him.
The two from the Calligraphy Club were eyewitnesses to the event and witnesses of the world-class painting, their identities also made them unsuitable.
Using the exclusion method, it seemed the only suitable candidate was the unreliable little girl, Ise Yu Yuzhijin.